Chapter 3: De Ja Vu
Time passed and doors clanked. Gradually each arch assassin passed in and out of the double doors their honor rebounded to the Grandmaster. Each person came down through the hallway and most if not all glanced once in Subzero's direction with a glare or a stare. Subzero had nothing to do; he played with small snowballs in his hand. The day outside darkened and out of the remaining five people Subzero was the last. He had figured out a long time before hand that he would be. His two guards sat by him one of which Wurrow had fallen asleep. Kanashi had tried to wake him the first few times but after realizing that Subzero didn't really care he hadn't bothered.
The doors opened and the final Lin kuei assassin walked away down the isle. The empty chairs lined the sides of the room and every window was dark. Subzero groaned and stood to his feet.
"Arch assassin Subzero," called one of the two personal guards of the Grand master. The double doors were open and outside the snow was hailing down.
"Its about bloody time," he muttered under his breath coming forward. He passed the empty rows of chairs feeling rather lonely. His guards followed him but were stopped at the doors.
"Only arch assassins may pass this point," fingered the guard, "You two can wait here"
Kanashi and Wurrow looked at each other before with a brief nod they returned to their seats and slumped down bored with crossed legs and irritated folded arms. Subzero with the two Lin kuei guards at either side of him walked through the door to meet an ensuing blast of cold wind. The snow now it seemed for the first time all day had stopped. Only the cold wind on the mountains remained.
They were up very high in the mountains. A bridge ascended over a vast abyss below where mist and fog billowed up. The bridge creaked as they walked across it towards the Grand master's personal head quarters.
"Remind me" shivered Subzero to the red guard beside him "Why is it that the Grand master's house is all the way up here?"
"Tradition," chuckled the other, "That way he can be closer to god"
"This bridge doesn't look to good, are you ever going to do something about it?"
"We have plans to replace it with something better but that won't happen for a while yet," they stopped outside the house of the grand master. Bright lights lit up the special windows and stone church and castle like structure.
"I must remind you that the Grand master wants complete loyalty in this ceremony, so far only two people broke the rules and they have been given harsh warnings," they entered through the doors and the guard continued to speak, "When we enter the Grand master's room do not greet him casually, he will greet you in tradition and then you will say your vow. After that the renewal of the vows is over and you will have freedom to resume any conversation you might want with him"
"I think its more what he will want that will matter," grumbled Subzero
"You may be right," chuckled the soldier, "Something interesting always does seem to happen to the person who is last"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Usually either they die, or they get hired. But don't worry, if we were trying to get rid of you we'd have thrown you off the bridge already"
"That's so nice to hear," said Subzero sarcastically, "Have you done that to anyone today?"
"Of course not. Its always the last few people, and the arch assassins in the hall can hear the scream if we do it early"
"Fascinating, but there was a blizzard today no? They wouldn't have been able to hear a thing surely?"
"The Grand master has other means of removing those who oppose him"
They walked down the long corridors and up steps passed kitchens where servants were preparing food and through richly dressed rooms. Walking up many flights of richly decorated stone staircases circular and direct they came to the fifth and highest floor. Here they entered through double black and red decorated doors into the Grand master's quarters. The symbol of the dragon was on the door it split in two as the doors opened. The Grand master himself was sitting on his usual pedestal with small steps going either side. The steps were completely unnecessary as the Grand master could simple step down or up from them at any time with little hassle, but they gave the throne a domineering and very present atmosphere. His chair curved up at the corners like horns. He sat in red long sleeved robes with sharp eyes he crossed his bony fingers and gazed down at Subzero with a bored expression his words long were tired as he spoke and clearly irritated himself that the day had gone on so long.
"Welcome Humble servant, you are as ever welcome in my household. Let us bode a while on the shadows brother, and I wish you great bounty and luck in your many journeys with my following words. May your sword stay sharp and far from rust and may your armor never grow weary round your shoulders. You will doubtless slay many a foe in the shadows, and as it has always been the way, the shadows shall be your guide. In the harsh snows let you remember your teachings and in the burning fires let you keep your mind cool from charring, out in the ocean do not drink the salt that poisons the mind but breath in the air that with its own destructive powers can heal hope, lust, love and fear of death itself. In shadows let you be remembered of all things and through all these things let you remember us the Lin kuei born of the shadows to die in the shadows with the shadows and without the shadows, in the darkness it is the code of honor that unites us all. Yet with these words said you must offer your word brother that you will remain faithful... or you must venture out into the world, tell me now humble servant where is it that your great destiny lies?"
"As always," replied Subzero summoning up the words that were embedded in his memory, he dropped down onto one knee and faced the floor, "The shadows have been my guide and so they will in all days to come. I was born into the shadows and shall die into the shadows. The Lin kuei is my guide and I do humbly accept you the Grand master as ruler of our great clan. I will fight for the Lin kuei, I will be in peace for the Lin kuei and I shall die for the Lin kuei. The Lin kuei is my destiny and with the master's and mine own understanding I do vow my allegiance. Love shall not clear my vision, nor lust for it. Happiness and suffering are nothing to me in times of danger, only the sword shall lead me in the ways of the ancient code. When I travel through the shadows I shall remember my promise to you and my clan, my masters and my servants. My honor is bound to you and the darkness that is hidden from the suns rays. Great Grand master, leader of all secrets of mind and body... I vow to serve and obey the Lin kuei"
The Grandmaster smiled and clapped his hands together and sat upright glad that the ceremonies were now finally over. He must have been waiting there most of the day not to mention all the other minors he had to oversee. Yet now he seemed pleased, or at least that's what he wanted Subzero to think.
"Welcome back my warrior," said the Grandmaster loudly. He came forward and clapped Subzero on the back, "I have a new undertaking for you"
Subzero looked up suddenly with a look of shock and anger. He quickly concealed his emotions and remained calm, he searched the shadows of the room and noticed something, a presence in the darkness. Could it be? Surely not again...
"It seems your recent exploits have caught the eye of yet another sorcerer. I would like you to meet the retainer of your services. His name is Shangtsung. He would like you to compete in a small tournament called Mortal Kombat"
The shape stepped forward out of the shadows. An old man stood in blue silvery garments. His hair was white and wrinkles lined his aged face his lips slowly cracked into a smile "Please, you need not treat me with such courtesy"
"Sorry," chuckled Subzero slowly raising his hands with irritation, "Did you send me a message about this? For if you did master my servants must have missed it, there must be some mistake for I did not agree to enter into any tournament..."
"Oh no," returned the Grand master with a quick glare, "There was no message. Shangtsung here came and asked for the best warrior among us, you'll receive great riches Subzero have no fear about that... as long as you win of course..."
"I am not that confident in my abilities master, it has been over a year since I have done any serious work," lied Subzero, "I was rather enjoying my early retirement"
"Well of course there are always others..." chuckled Shangtsung with a grimace, "If he is passed it Grand master then we shall have to find someone else"
"No," returned the Grand master with a wave of his hand (little did he realize who he was waving it to), "Subzero will be good enough for the task. Even with a years rest you are still our best, I am confident in your abilities even if you are not"
"... As you wish master, but before we continue I would like to inform my employer Shangtsung that the last sorcerer who employed me betrayed me. I followed him to the pits of hell itself, hunted him down and killed him. Those are all the details you need to know about that"
The Grand master reddening in the face almost snarled at Subzero, he seemed almost as if he would get up and strangle the assassin to death, but his face melted to a calm one as suddenly as it could melt into any shape he desired. Yet the paranoia of his day and his hidden motives had wounded his already putrid relationship with Subzero further. Still - he had his plans. His fingers drummed on the armrest biting hard into the black material. He wasn't going to give over to stubbornness and Subzero knew it. He was ultimately the boss and held superiority and power over him. Subzero was fighting a battle he couldn't win in that room.
"There are always risks in any job," said Shangtsung with a gesture of his hand, "Like with sorcery, you can never be exactly sure on the outcome of the experiment. Like any risk you will have to take originally for granted that I won't try to betray you as I will have to take for granted that you won't betray me"
"What kind of tournament is this anyway?" sniffed Subzero gazing at the now smiling Grand master. His eyes twitched as if to wink with sarcasm that Subzero was doing this for his own good.
"Mortal Kombat, a small tournament that I hold on my island nothing more"
"You own an island?" chuckled Subzero, "Where is it? It doesn't sound like a small event to me!"
"Ah... the location is secret. It's a private event for the world's greatest fighters. It used to be run by a man called Kung Lao until the champion defeated him a couple of years ago. Now I am the Grand master of the tournament and that means it follows my rules"
"What if I say no?" asked Subzero
"You could do with ease," returned Shangtsung, "I'm not here to stop you, but your Grand master might not be all that pleased. Every mortal Kombat there has ever been the best Lin kuei fighter has participated. No Lin kuei member has ever refused to partake, Mortal Kombat has been seen by many as a great honor"
"Who can I bring with me?"
"Nobody, once you board the ship"
"What ship?" questioned Subzero with a frown, "You never told me about any ship!"
"That's because you didn't give me a chance," hissed Shangtsung his cheeks tightening, he relaxed suddenly and smiled much the same as the Grand master had, "Sorry... its been long and hard day for me... The ship departs from the So ho docks. All the greatest fighters of the world will be on it, you will of course have some people with you until then"
"Who?" asked Subzero gazing at Shangtsung with deep suspicion.
"That has already been arranged," smiled the Grand master, "Hydro a Lin kuei assassin will be with you to protect you until you are under the protection of master Shangtsung here. Tringle will be your pilot as usual and I've hired a man called Jarek who will help you out with the problems that the area might bring"
"Is Jarek Lin kuei? Because I haven't heard of him before," grumbled Subzero suggesting of his own prestige and ego fuelled irritation at working with anyone who wasn't sufficiently skilled.
"Black dragon, you probably won't have heard of the group before. They're a small rebellion against their former masters the Red Dragon or something like that... I grow weary of all these dragons"
"Interesting you should mention that," chuckled Shangtsung clasping his hands together, "A very important member of the black dragon is going to be participating in this very tournament"
"I wondered why he was so anxious to take up the job," said the Grand master with an easy yawn, "Move along please this is beginning to bore me"
"As you wish," said Shangtsung quietly but not without a flicker of his own irritation in his eyes. It suddenly occurred to Subzero that what was happening in this room was a three-way hate circle. Three nasty back stabbing men were in a room together all thinking up good ways to back stab each other yet nobody moved because there was a third person in the room. It felt very awkward and Subzero tried desperately to reason with himself mentally that he wasn't one of those "nasty" people.
"When is this tournament?" asked Subzero looking intently into the eyes of the sorcerer. He didn't have Quan chi's charm, yet Shangtsung seemed to hold a deep wisdom and need for respect that rose him up above the skull faced sorcerer.
"The boat sets off in two days time," shrugged Shangtsung "Nothing you cannot handle"
"Two days time So ho docks?" blurted out Subzero hastily trying to stop himself from murdering every person in a miles radius.
"Is there anything wrong with that arrangement... Subzero?" said the Grand master darkly. He glared first at Shangtsung and then at Subzero with full intent of calling guards and having them both killed on the spot.
"No master... of course not. It would be my... honor to serve the clan in anyway I can especially after taking such a meaningful vow"
"Good," chuckled the Grandmaster clapping his bony hands together with a dry smack, "Its settled then. I'm sure you two can find your own way to the door, myself its time for my evening bath"
"I have a party to attend," growled Subzero, "But being late of course to an enjoyable event is a second priority when it comes to such honorable jobs"
"I have my own business to attend to," murmured Shangtsung with a bored face that suggested both Subzero and the Grandmaster were far below him in importance.
"What sort of business is that sorcerer?" questioned Subzero with searching eyes.
"Lets just say, it's always been my favorite saying that the politics of god can be equal to that of any nation"
Outside the harsh cold mountain winds billowed, thunder rumbled in the distance. In the dark room it was getting cold and the lighted candles were dying down low. Two figures stood in the dark facing each other, one a blond haired Lin kuei the other a dark haired Lin Kuei.
"Come on hit me!" said the blond haired warrior.
"I don't want to," replied Kanashi
"Its fine I'm blocking, come on give it your best shot!"
"I really cannot be bothered to spar any longer, we've been doing this for ages"
"Oh go on!" begged Wurrow, "Come on, you know you want to! Sock me one and see if I can block it or not"
"You pain!" complained Kanashi tossing his black hair back, "Alright just one more, but if you go sprawling on the floor this time then you can take Subzero's word for it and adopt some other tactics"
Wurrow blocked and Kanashi took several steps back, "I warn you I'm going to hit you hard!"
"Come on you lazy thing give it your best!" called Wurrow, "Get off of your arse and hit me!"
Revving himself up Kanashi charged forward across the whole length of the floor his footsteps sounding out like the pitter-patter of the rain outside. Running faster and faster he prepared himself to knock his ally off of his feet. But he never got there because a strange thing happened. A very strange thing indeed. It was as he was running that things slowly seemed to loose speed and slow down until every step he took across the stone floor seemed to echo out across the room and up at the dark roof.
Lightning rumbled in the distance and he suddenly felt deeply afraid of something yet he didn't know what. He was still running towards Wurrow yet the blond haired soldier seemed strangely small and insignificant now. The Hall seemed to loom back out of site growing to a daunting size so that he felt tiny and pathetic in the now consuming darkness. It wasn't just his imagination... the candles one by one were going out leaving him in the frightening shadows. Wurrow's eyes widened and he slowed to a halt.
They were in complete darkness suddenly and fear wrenched his body. Wurrow gasped and the whites of his eyes shone out under the moonlight from the night sky above that crept in through the dark stain glass windows. The black windows above flashed with lightning from outside and the stormy weather. Kanashi fell to his knees and looked up to the rooftops.
Lightning exploded with bright blinding light and he felt truly afraid. He felt afraid of something unworldly, something dark, something deadly evil and not from this world. Every part of his body cringed and spasmed and he felt as if he were dying from misery. The furthest window lit up with lightning and a face was distinguishable behind the glass. Wurrow turned suddenly in fear dropping his stance and looked up with white quivering eyes at the image above him. His mouth dropped and he gazed up in immense fear "Over there!" he shuddered "Over there!" but it was gone. They stood awhile in the darkness on their knees and feet. They dare not look away from that window that had drawn their gaze. They felt terrified; their hearts skipped beats. The air calmed and only the harsh wind could be heard rattling against the structure. One by one the candles suddenly burst back into quiet flame and the hall was as lonely as it had always been. The air was cold and the sparring session had ended.
Shangtsung and Subzero walked hurriedly across the wavering bridge. The blue cloth Subzero and the sorcerer were wearing flared out behind them back and forth sometimes hitting each other, sometimes hitting themselves as the wind blew their clothing back and forth. The wood passed underfoot and guarding themselves as best as they could from the wind they opened the double doors to the hall and entered. There was silence as they did so.
Kanashi and Wurrow were sitting where they had before yet their faces were as white as sheets. Kanashi turned suddenly quivering to Wurrow "Don't mention a thing!" he hissed, "It didn't happen okay!?" Wurrow nodded with a grim look before the two of them stood to their feet.
Subzero came forward with a scowl on his face and Shangtsung followed with the same uncanny smile he had pulled in the Grand master's presence.
"Kanashi and Wurrow this is master Shangtsung," he spat the words out, "He's a sorcerer"
"Pleased to meet you both," he said shaking each by the cold shuddering hands in turn, "Your friends look like they've seen a ghost Subzero," chuckled Shangtsung
"I'll make ghosts out of them in a minute," he grumbled warningly, "Anyway back to business will I be meeting you again?"
"Yes," returned Shangtsung holding his hands tightly together like a priest, "Indeed you will on the island. Hydro will meet you in the blue caves tomorrow after lunch wherever that may be, I'm sure you know better than me"
"He takes a class there doesn't he?" questioned Subzero
"Some elites students or something I did not investigate the circumstances. I did notice however notice the rather potent similarity he has to yourself"
"I suppose I can't be the only Lin kuei to wear blue," grumbled Subzero.
"And I suppose sadly I cannot be the only sorcerer in the world," said Shangtsung mourningfully, "Ah never mind. Did Quan chi truly meet his end in the Neatherealm?"
"How do you know about that?" gasped Subzero gazing forward
"Sorcerer's have a habit of getting around especially ones as prestigious as Quan chi. Compared to other professions sorcerers are a rarity"
"I hope that manners and principles are not as equally rare amongst you as your existence"
"I think you will find me and my island a lot more honorable than Quan chi's job. More hospitable too if I can come anywhere near to guaranteeing anything"
"Well I don't know about you sorcerer, but I'm getting out of this bloody freezing rock"
"Don't break any legs," muttered Shangtsung gestingly
Kanashi and Wurrow followed white-faced watching their master. Now and again they glanced back at Shangtsung but on the third time that both of them did this he was gone. They entered into the elevator together and the doors closed with only the dull light bulb above to light metal walls. Subzero pressed the button for the ground floor and waited.
With a shudder the lift started moving downward and he glared at Kanashi and Wurrow who stood both with their heads down, "Well you both made a pigs ear out of that you stupid rats," he shouted, "If it hasn't occurred to you too spineless wimps already I was trying to make some kind of decent impression on that old git"
"Sorry master," whispered Kanashi dryly.
"Oh you'll be sorry alright. I'm sure there are plenty of nasty jobs around the house that you can do when we get back. What the heck happened to you two? You were chatting away like anything when I came up here and when I come back with someone important in my hand you melt onto the floor like a fucking wet puddle. You bloody drips"
"Sorry master," said Kanashi in the same tone
"I'm disgusted," spat Subzero glaring from one to the other. The lift hummed as they moved down the floors. From up above them there came a quiet rattling noise, which caused all three to look up at the roof. The light bulb flickered shaking from side to side.
"What's going on?" murmured Wurrow
There was a clunk and the lift stopped moving. Subzero looked up and they all waited for what felt like a minute gazing worriedly at the roof. Subzero walked over to the doors and tried to open them. They wouldn't budge, "Bastard... anyone could have told that moron that he needed to service the lift"
"How long are we going to be stuck here do you think?" asked Kanashi.
"How the hell should I know,?" shouted Subzero punching his hand into the metal wall. Droplets of ice and water ran down the small dent he had made. The clang echoed distantly up the dark passageway.
They stood still in silence. From far above there was a snap. They all gazed up quickly. Subzero pulled the blue travelling cloak off and threw it to the floor, "Alright that's not good," he whispered, "We need to get out of here now"
"There's someone up there!" shivered Wurrow, "Do you think its him?"
They were silent. Quietly in the darkness above they could here a scurrying like a bat or tiger moving through foliage. A soft sound of sawing came to their ears. Immediately Subzero leapt to the ground and with both hands glowing white with ice ripped up some of the metal grilled floor. Reaching down he found a small compartment below. Opening it he could see the lift floor a long way below.
"Have we got any rope?" he whispered. There was a snap from above and they lowered considerably. Subzero shut his eyes and held tightly onto the wall. As the silence continued sweat beginning to role down their faces Wurrow found an emergency green compartment in the metallic rusty wall. Forcing it open he delved in passed a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and caught his hand on a long coil of rope that was attached to the inside of the lift. He flung it over to Subzero who quickly caught it and threw it down the flap.
There was another snap from above.
"How many cables does this lift have!" hissed Wurrow wide eyed and expecting death at any moment.
"Three," returned Subzero jumping down the other two followed him and together they started climbing down the rope as fast as they could. Subzero stopped a moment and aiming a hand up he shot ice bolts at the four corners of the lift. They froze and created a canopy of ice that held the lift steadily in place. There was a snap from above and the lift descended, slowly cracking through the ice.
"Go go go!" shouted Subzero and with both hands almost completely letting go he slid down and so did his other two companions no doubt getting rope burns on the way. Landing down at the bottom Subzero hurried wrenching his hands on the metal doors. With several blows he smashed forward staggering up through the gap, he helped heave Kanashi and Wurrow through just as the lift came crashing down and they leapt out of the way. A light bulb fell to the ground and burst in an electrical tinkle.
Time passed and doors clanked. Gradually each arch assassin passed in and out of the double doors their honor rebounded to the Grandmaster. Each person came down through the hallway and most if not all glanced once in Subzero's direction with a glare or a stare. Subzero had nothing to do; he played with small snowballs in his hand. The day outside darkened and out of the remaining five people Subzero was the last. He had figured out a long time before hand that he would be. His two guards sat by him one of which Wurrow had fallen asleep. Kanashi had tried to wake him the first few times but after realizing that Subzero didn't really care he hadn't bothered.
The doors opened and the final Lin kuei assassin walked away down the isle. The empty chairs lined the sides of the room and every window was dark. Subzero groaned and stood to his feet.
"Arch assassin Subzero," called one of the two personal guards of the Grand master. The double doors were open and outside the snow was hailing down.
"Its about bloody time," he muttered under his breath coming forward. He passed the empty rows of chairs feeling rather lonely. His guards followed him but were stopped at the doors.
"Only arch assassins may pass this point," fingered the guard, "You two can wait here"
Kanashi and Wurrow looked at each other before with a brief nod they returned to their seats and slumped down bored with crossed legs and irritated folded arms. Subzero with the two Lin kuei guards at either side of him walked through the door to meet an ensuing blast of cold wind. The snow now it seemed for the first time all day had stopped. Only the cold wind on the mountains remained.
They were up very high in the mountains. A bridge ascended over a vast abyss below where mist and fog billowed up. The bridge creaked as they walked across it towards the Grand master's personal head quarters.
"Remind me" shivered Subzero to the red guard beside him "Why is it that the Grand master's house is all the way up here?"
"Tradition," chuckled the other, "That way he can be closer to god"
"This bridge doesn't look to good, are you ever going to do something about it?"
"We have plans to replace it with something better but that won't happen for a while yet," they stopped outside the house of the grand master. Bright lights lit up the special windows and stone church and castle like structure.
"I must remind you that the Grand master wants complete loyalty in this ceremony, so far only two people broke the rules and they have been given harsh warnings," they entered through the doors and the guard continued to speak, "When we enter the Grand master's room do not greet him casually, he will greet you in tradition and then you will say your vow. After that the renewal of the vows is over and you will have freedom to resume any conversation you might want with him"
"I think its more what he will want that will matter," grumbled Subzero
"You may be right," chuckled the soldier, "Something interesting always does seem to happen to the person who is last"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Usually either they die, or they get hired. But don't worry, if we were trying to get rid of you we'd have thrown you off the bridge already"
"That's so nice to hear," said Subzero sarcastically, "Have you done that to anyone today?"
"Of course not. Its always the last few people, and the arch assassins in the hall can hear the scream if we do it early"
"Fascinating, but there was a blizzard today no? They wouldn't have been able to hear a thing surely?"
"The Grand master has other means of removing those who oppose him"
They walked down the long corridors and up steps passed kitchens where servants were preparing food and through richly dressed rooms. Walking up many flights of richly decorated stone staircases circular and direct they came to the fifth and highest floor. Here they entered through double black and red decorated doors into the Grand master's quarters. The symbol of the dragon was on the door it split in two as the doors opened. The Grand master himself was sitting on his usual pedestal with small steps going either side. The steps were completely unnecessary as the Grand master could simple step down or up from them at any time with little hassle, but they gave the throne a domineering and very present atmosphere. His chair curved up at the corners like horns. He sat in red long sleeved robes with sharp eyes he crossed his bony fingers and gazed down at Subzero with a bored expression his words long were tired as he spoke and clearly irritated himself that the day had gone on so long.
"Welcome Humble servant, you are as ever welcome in my household. Let us bode a while on the shadows brother, and I wish you great bounty and luck in your many journeys with my following words. May your sword stay sharp and far from rust and may your armor never grow weary round your shoulders. You will doubtless slay many a foe in the shadows, and as it has always been the way, the shadows shall be your guide. In the harsh snows let you remember your teachings and in the burning fires let you keep your mind cool from charring, out in the ocean do not drink the salt that poisons the mind but breath in the air that with its own destructive powers can heal hope, lust, love and fear of death itself. In shadows let you be remembered of all things and through all these things let you remember us the Lin kuei born of the shadows to die in the shadows with the shadows and without the shadows, in the darkness it is the code of honor that unites us all. Yet with these words said you must offer your word brother that you will remain faithful... or you must venture out into the world, tell me now humble servant where is it that your great destiny lies?"
"As always," replied Subzero summoning up the words that were embedded in his memory, he dropped down onto one knee and faced the floor, "The shadows have been my guide and so they will in all days to come. I was born into the shadows and shall die into the shadows. The Lin kuei is my guide and I do humbly accept you the Grand master as ruler of our great clan. I will fight for the Lin kuei, I will be in peace for the Lin kuei and I shall die for the Lin kuei. The Lin kuei is my destiny and with the master's and mine own understanding I do vow my allegiance. Love shall not clear my vision, nor lust for it. Happiness and suffering are nothing to me in times of danger, only the sword shall lead me in the ways of the ancient code. When I travel through the shadows I shall remember my promise to you and my clan, my masters and my servants. My honor is bound to you and the darkness that is hidden from the suns rays. Great Grand master, leader of all secrets of mind and body... I vow to serve and obey the Lin kuei"
The Grandmaster smiled and clapped his hands together and sat upright glad that the ceremonies were now finally over. He must have been waiting there most of the day not to mention all the other minors he had to oversee. Yet now he seemed pleased, or at least that's what he wanted Subzero to think.
"Welcome back my warrior," said the Grandmaster loudly. He came forward and clapped Subzero on the back, "I have a new undertaking for you"
Subzero looked up suddenly with a look of shock and anger. He quickly concealed his emotions and remained calm, he searched the shadows of the room and noticed something, a presence in the darkness. Could it be? Surely not again...
"It seems your recent exploits have caught the eye of yet another sorcerer. I would like you to meet the retainer of your services. His name is Shangtsung. He would like you to compete in a small tournament called Mortal Kombat"
The shape stepped forward out of the shadows. An old man stood in blue silvery garments. His hair was white and wrinkles lined his aged face his lips slowly cracked into a smile "Please, you need not treat me with such courtesy"
"Sorry," chuckled Subzero slowly raising his hands with irritation, "Did you send me a message about this? For if you did master my servants must have missed it, there must be some mistake for I did not agree to enter into any tournament..."
"Oh no," returned the Grand master with a quick glare, "There was no message. Shangtsung here came and asked for the best warrior among us, you'll receive great riches Subzero have no fear about that... as long as you win of course..."
"I am not that confident in my abilities master, it has been over a year since I have done any serious work," lied Subzero, "I was rather enjoying my early retirement"
"Well of course there are always others..." chuckled Shangtsung with a grimace, "If he is passed it Grand master then we shall have to find someone else"
"No," returned the Grand master with a wave of his hand (little did he realize who he was waving it to), "Subzero will be good enough for the task. Even with a years rest you are still our best, I am confident in your abilities even if you are not"
"... As you wish master, but before we continue I would like to inform my employer Shangtsung that the last sorcerer who employed me betrayed me. I followed him to the pits of hell itself, hunted him down and killed him. Those are all the details you need to know about that"
The Grand master reddening in the face almost snarled at Subzero, he seemed almost as if he would get up and strangle the assassin to death, but his face melted to a calm one as suddenly as it could melt into any shape he desired. Yet the paranoia of his day and his hidden motives had wounded his already putrid relationship with Subzero further. Still - he had his plans. His fingers drummed on the armrest biting hard into the black material. He wasn't going to give over to stubbornness and Subzero knew it. He was ultimately the boss and held superiority and power over him. Subzero was fighting a battle he couldn't win in that room.
"There are always risks in any job," said Shangtsung with a gesture of his hand, "Like with sorcery, you can never be exactly sure on the outcome of the experiment. Like any risk you will have to take originally for granted that I won't try to betray you as I will have to take for granted that you won't betray me"
"What kind of tournament is this anyway?" sniffed Subzero gazing at the now smiling Grand master. His eyes twitched as if to wink with sarcasm that Subzero was doing this for his own good.
"Mortal Kombat, a small tournament that I hold on my island nothing more"
"You own an island?" chuckled Subzero, "Where is it? It doesn't sound like a small event to me!"
"Ah... the location is secret. It's a private event for the world's greatest fighters. It used to be run by a man called Kung Lao until the champion defeated him a couple of years ago. Now I am the Grand master of the tournament and that means it follows my rules"
"What if I say no?" asked Subzero
"You could do with ease," returned Shangtsung, "I'm not here to stop you, but your Grand master might not be all that pleased. Every mortal Kombat there has ever been the best Lin kuei fighter has participated. No Lin kuei member has ever refused to partake, Mortal Kombat has been seen by many as a great honor"
"Who can I bring with me?"
"Nobody, once you board the ship"
"What ship?" questioned Subzero with a frown, "You never told me about any ship!"
"That's because you didn't give me a chance," hissed Shangtsung his cheeks tightening, he relaxed suddenly and smiled much the same as the Grand master had, "Sorry... its been long and hard day for me... The ship departs from the So ho docks. All the greatest fighters of the world will be on it, you will of course have some people with you until then"
"Who?" asked Subzero gazing at Shangtsung with deep suspicion.
"That has already been arranged," smiled the Grand master, "Hydro a Lin kuei assassin will be with you to protect you until you are under the protection of master Shangtsung here. Tringle will be your pilot as usual and I've hired a man called Jarek who will help you out with the problems that the area might bring"
"Is Jarek Lin kuei? Because I haven't heard of him before," grumbled Subzero suggesting of his own prestige and ego fuelled irritation at working with anyone who wasn't sufficiently skilled.
"Black dragon, you probably won't have heard of the group before. They're a small rebellion against their former masters the Red Dragon or something like that... I grow weary of all these dragons"
"Interesting you should mention that," chuckled Shangtsung clasping his hands together, "A very important member of the black dragon is going to be participating in this very tournament"
"I wondered why he was so anxious to take up the job," said the Grand master with an easy yawn, "Move along please this is beginning to bore me"
"As you wish," said Shangtsung quietly but not without a flicker of his own irritation in his eyes. It suddenly occurred to Subzero that what was happening in this room was a three-way hate circle. Three nasty back stabbing men were in a room together all thinking up good ways to back stab each other yet nobody moved because there was a third person in the room. It felt very awkward and Subzero tried desperately to reason with himself mentally that he wasn't one of those "nasty" people.
"When is this tournament?" asked Subzero looking intently into the eyes of the sorcerer. He didn't have Quan chi's charm, yet Shangtsung seemed to hold a deep wisdom and need for respect that rose him up above the skull faced sorcerer.
"The boat sets off in two days time," shrugged Shangtsung "Nothing you cannot handle"
"Two days time So ho docks?" blurted out Subzero hastily trying to stop himself from murdering every person in a miles radius.
"Is there anything wrong with that arrangement... Subzero?" said the Grand master darkly. He glared first at Shangtsung and then at Subzero with full intent of calling guards and having them both killed on the spot.
"No master... of course not. It would be my... honor to serve the clan in anyway I can especially after taking such a meaningful vow"
"Good," chuckled the Grandmaster clapping his bony hands together with a dry smack, "Its settled then. I'm sure you two can find your own way to the door, myself its time for my evening bath"
"I have a party to attend," growled Subzero, "But being late of course to an enjoyable event is a second priority when it comes to such honorable jobs"
"I have my own business to attend to," murmured Shangtsung with a bored face that suggested both Subzero and the Grandmaster were far below him in importance.
"What sort of business is that sorcerer?" questioned Subzero with searching eyes.
"Lets just say, it's always been my favorite saying that the politics of god can be equal to that of any nation"
Outside the harsh cold mountain winds billowed, thunder rumbled in the distance. In the dark room it was getting cold and the lighted candles were dying down low. Two figures stood in the dark facing each other, one a blond haired Lin kuei the other a dark haired Lin Kuei.
"Come on hit me!" said the blond haired warrior.
"I don't want to," replied Kanashi
"Its fine I'm blocking, come on give it your best shot!"
"I really cannot be bothered to spar any longer, we've been doing this for ages"
"Oh go on!" begged Wurrow, "Come on, you know you want to! Sock me one and see if I can block it or not"
"You pain!" complained Kanashi tossing his black hair back, "Alright just one more, but if you go sprawling on the floor this time then you can take Subzero's word for it and adopt some other tactics"
Wurrow blocked and Kanashi took several steps back, "I warn you I'm going to hit you hard!"
"Come on you lazy thing give it your best!" called Wurrow, "Get off of your arse and hit me!"
Revving himself up Kanashi charged forward across the whole length of the floor his footsteps sounding out like the pitter-patter of the rain outside. Running faster and faster he prepared himself to knock his ally off of his feet. But he never got there because a strange thing happened. A very strange thing indeed. It was as he was running that things slowly seemed to loose speed and slow down until every step he took across the stone floor seemed to echo out across the room and up at the dark roof.
Lightning rumbled in the distance and he suddenly felt deeply afraid of something yet he didn't know what. He was still running towards Wurrow yet the blond haired soldier seemed strangely small and insignificant now. The Hall seemed to loom back out of site growing to a daunting size so that he felt tiny and pathetic in the now consuming darkness. It wasn't just his imagination... the candles one by one were going out leaving him in the frightening shadows. Wurrow's eyes widened and he slowed to a halt.
They were in complete darkness suddenly and fear wrenched his body. Wurrow gasped and the whites of his eyes shone out under the moonlight from the night sky above that crept in through the dark stain glass windows. The black windows above flashed with lightning from outside and the stormy weather. Kanashi fell to his knees and looked up to the rooftops.
Lightning exploded with bright blinding light and he felt truly afraid. He felt afraid of something unworldly, something dark, something deadly evil and not from this world. Every part of his body cringed and spasmed and he felt as if he were dying from misery. The furthest window lit up with lightning and a face was distinguishable behind the glass. Wurrow turned suddenly in fear dropping his stance and looked up with white quivering eyes at the image above him. His mouth dropped and he gazed up in immense fear "Over there!" he shuddered "Over there!" but it was gone. They stood awhile in the darkness on their knees and feet. They dare not look away from that window that had drawn their gaze. They felt terrified; their hearts skipped beats. The air calmed and only the harsh wind could be heard rattling against the structure. One by one the candles suddenly burst back into quiet flame and the hall was as lonely as it had always been. The air was cold and the sparring session had ended.
Shangtsung and Subzero walked hurriedly across the wavering bridge. The blue cloth Subzero and the sorcerer were wearing flared out behind them back and forth sometimes hitting each other, sometimes hitting themselves as the wind blew their clothing back and forth. The wood passed underfoot and guarding themselves as best as they could from the wind they opened the double doors to the hall and entered. There was silence as they did so.
Kanashi and Wurrow were sitting where they had before yet their faces were as white as sheets. Kanashi turned suddenly quivering to Wurrow "Don't mention a thing!" he hissed, "It didn't happen okay!?" Wurrow nodded with a grim look before the two of them stood to their feet.
Subzero came forward with a scowl on his face and Shangtsung followed with the same uncanny smile he had pulled in the Grand master's presence.
"Kanashi and Wurrow this is master Shangtsung," he spat the words out, "He's a sorcerer"
"Pleased to meet you both," he said shaking each by the cold shuddering hands in turn, "Your friends look like they've seen a ghost Subzero," chuckled Shangtsung
"I'll make ghosts out of them in a minute," he grumbled warningly, "Anyway back to business will I be meeting you again?"
"Yes," returned Shangtsung holding his hands tightly together like a priest, "Indeed you will on the island. Hydro will meet you in the blue caves tomorrow after lunch wherever that may be, I'm sure you know better than me"
"He takes a class there doesn't he?" questioned Subzero
"Some elites students or something I did not investigate the circumstances. I did notice however notice the rather potent similarity he has to yourself"
"I suppose I can't be the only Lin kuei to wear blue," grumbled Subzero.
"And I suppose sadly I cannot be the only sorcerer in the world," said Shangtsung mourningfully, "Ah never mind. Did Quan chi truly meet his end in the Neatherealm?"
"How do you know about that?" gasped Subzero gazing forward
"Sorcerer's have a habit of getting around especially ones as prestigious as Quan chi. Compared to other professions sorcerers are a rarity"
"I hope that manners and principles are not as equally rare amongst you as your existence"
"I think you will find me and my island a lot more honorable than Quan chi's job. More hospitable too if I can come anywhere near to guaranteeing anything"
"Well I don't know about you sorcerer, but I'm getting out of this bloody freezing rock"
"Don't break any legs," muttered Shangtsung gestingly
Kanashi and Wurrow followed white-faced watching their master. Now and again they glanced back at Shangtsung but on the third time that both of them did this he was gone. They entered into the elevator together and the doors closed with only the dull light bulb above to light metal walls. Subzero pressed the button for the ground floor and waited.
With a shudder the lift started moving downward and he glared at Kanashi and Wurrow who stood both with their heads down, "Well you both made a pigs ear out of that you stupid rats," he shouted, "If it hasn't occurred to you too spineless wimps already I was trying to make some kind of decent impression on that old git"
"Sorry master," whispered Kanashi dryly.
"Oh you'll be sorry alright. I'm sure there are plenty of nasty jobs around the house that you can do when we get back. What the heck happened to you two? You were chatting away like anything when I came up here and when I come back with someone important in my hand you melt onto the floor like a fucking wet puddle. You bloody drips"
"Sorry master," said Kanashi in the same tone
"I'm disgusted," spat Subzero glaring from one to the other. The lift hummed as they moved down the floors. From up above them there came a quiet rattling noise, which caused all three to look up at the roof. The light bulb flickered shaking from side to side.
"What's going on?" murmured Wurrow
There was a clunk and the lift stopped moving. Subzero looked up and they all waited for what felt like a minute gazing worriedly at the roof. Subzero walked over to the doors and tried to open them. They wouldn't budge, "Bastard... anyone could have told that moron that he needed to service the lift"
"How long are we going to be stuck here do you think?" asked Kanashi.
"How the hell should I know,?" shouted Subzero punching his hand into the metal wall. Droplets of ice and water ran down the small dent he had made. The clang echoed distantly up the dark passageway.
They stood still in silence. From far above there was a snap. They all gazed up quickly. Subzero pulled the blue travelling cloak off and threw it to the floor, "Alright that's not good," he whispered, "We need to get out of here now"
"There's someone up there!" shivered Wurrow, "Do you think its him?"
They were silent. Quietly in the darkness above they could here a scurrying like a bat or tiger moving through foliage. A soft sound of sawing came to their ears. Immediately Subzero leapt to the ground and with both hands glowing white with ice ripped up some of the metal grilled floor. Reaching down he found a small compartment below. Opening it he could see the lift floor a long way below.
"Have we got any rope?" he whispered. There was a snap from above and they lowered considerably. Subzero shut his eyes and held tightly onto the wall. As the silence continued sweat beginning to role down their faces Wurrow found an emergency green compartment in the metallic rusty wall. Forcing it open he delved in passed a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and caught his hand on a long coil of rope that was attached to the inside of the lift. He flung it over to Subzero who quickly caught it and threw it down the flap.
There was another snap from above.
"How many cables does this lift have!" hissed Wurrow wide eyed and expecting death at any moment.
"Three," returned Subzero jumping down the other two followed him and together they started climbing down the rope as fast as they could. Subzero stopped a moment and aiming a hand up he shot ice bolts at the four corners of the lift. They froze and created a canopy of ice that held the lift steadily in place. There was a snap from above and the lift descended, slowly cracking through the ice.
"Go go go!" shouted Subzero and with both hands almost completely letting go he slid down and so did his other two companions no doubt getting rope burns on the way. Landing down at the bottom Subzero hurried wrenching his hands on the metal doors. With several blows he smashed forward staggering up through the gap, he helped heave Kanashi and Wurrow through just as the lift came crashing down and they leapt out of the way. A light bulb fell to the ground and burst in an electrical tinkle.